Thank you for your interest in the partnership!
At Newsong, partnership is a commitment to be “all in” as part of a Spirit-led community, working together to fulfill the church’s mission of making disciples, serving others, and expanding God’s Kingdom. It goes beyond mere attendance or financial contributions, emphasizing active participation, accountability, and using one’s time, talents, and treasures to build relationships and support the church’s vision. Partnership signifies a deeper connection, where members are unified by the gospel and dedicated to serving God and each other in meaningful and impactful ways.
Membership vs. Partnership
According to Webster’s Dictionary, “membership” is defined as “the state or status of being a member” or “the relationship between an element of a set or class and the set or class itself.” Traditionally, church membership has primarily focused on attendance and financial contributions, with little emphasis on the depth of relationships among fellow members.
In contrast, “partnership” is defined as “people associated with others, especially in an action,” “people with whom others share a close relationship,” and “a relationship resembling a legal partnership, usually involving close cooperation between parties with specified and joint rights and responsibilities.” At Newsong, we prefer the term “partnership” because, while attendance and financial contributions are still important, it better reflects our vision of relationships within the community.
The Importance of Partnership Over Membership
In scripture, God uses marriage as a metaphor for the relationship between Jesus and the Church. Revelation 19:7-9 describes the Church as the Bride of Christ, preparing for the marriage supper of the Lamb. This relationship highlights faithfulness, preparation, and partnership with Christ. It’s not about being part of an organization but deeply invested in a relationship.
In marriage, a spouse isn’t just a “member” of the household, responsible for shared tasks like paying bills or filing taxes. A spouse is a life partner committed to love and cherish, in good times and bad, in sickness and health, until death. This level of commitment and connection better represents the kind of enduring relationship marriage was designed to be.
Commitment to Christ and the Church will be tested, just as marriage commitments are tested. These tests reveal the strength of the relationship. When things are easy, it’s hard to measure commitment, but trials and challenges make it clear. This is why the concept of partnership—not membership—better communicates the shared mission, responsibility, and faithfulness required within the church.
Other Analogies
Consider these examples:
Membership
Being a member of a fitness gym involves paying a fee for access and use, often with limited personal investment. If the gym were destroyed in a fire, members would likely move on to another gym without much thought. Their connection is superficial.
Partnership
By contrast, being a partner in a law firm involves a deep commitment to its mission and values. Partners work closely, share responsibilities, and contribute to the firm’s success. Partners would immediately step in to salvage what they could and rebuild if the firm were destroyed. For them, the firm represents shared purpose and personal investment.
The church is not like a gym or club. It’s a living, breathing body of believers called to unite to fulfill God’s mission. The partnership reflects being “all in,” fully committed to the church’s vision, purpose, and community.
Embracing Partnership
Partnership in the church is about active participation, accountability, and shared purpose. It signifies a commitment to working alongside others to grow in faith and accomplish the church’s mission. The term “Partner” is used to communicate this deeper relationship, emphasizing that the church is a missional community, not an exclusive club.
The church’s vision is to help individuals discover their identity in Christ, understand their gifts, and use those gifts to serve others and further God’s Kingdom. Partnership reflects this commitment to growth and ministry. Through faithful partnership, the early church turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6), and that same potential exists in churches today. Partnership is about being united in purpose and fully engaged in the work God is doing through the church.
What am I accountable for as a partner?
As a partner of Newsong Church, you are accountable for stewarding your time, talent, and treasure to contribute to the mission of making disciples and expanding God’s Kingdom. We break down the responsibilities in three categories:
Your Time
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- Commit to participating actively in the life of the church.
- Dedicate time to ministry efforts and collaborate with other believers.
- Engage in church activities, services, and outreach programs.
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Your Talent
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- Discover and develop your spiritual gifts in partnership with the ministry team.
- Use your gifts to serve the church and its mission effectively.
- Support ministries and initiatives that align with your unique abilities and calling.
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Your Treasure
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- Practice faithful and regular financial giving to support the church’s ministry.
- Manage the resources God has given you with wisdom and generosity.
- Invest in the growth and sustainability of the church and its outreach efforts.
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By committing to these areas, you affirm your role in fostering the unity of the church, nurturing meaningful relationships within the body of Christ, and fulfilling the purpose God has for you at Newsong.
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How do I become a Partner?
1. Complete the Partnership Class:
Attend and finish the required class to understand Newsong’s mission, values, and expectations.
2. Approval by Leadership:
The Lead Pastor and Advisory Team will evaluate your qualifications, which include:
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- Being at least 16 years old.
- Evidence of salvation.
- A consistent Christian lifestyle.
- Agreement with the church’s tenets of faith.
- Regular attendance for at least six months.
- Financial support through tithes (10% of income).
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3. Official Recognition:
Once approved, your name will be added to the church roster.
Transferring from Another Church?
You must still complete Newsong’s Partnership class. However, the six-month attendance requirement is waived with a letter from your former pastor confirming you are in good standing.
Additional Scripture
1 Peter 4:10-11
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Romans 12:4-5
Romans 12:6-8
Ephesians 4:1-16